Somehow, I have been able to attend The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering every year it has been held. If you know anything about this limited-admission event, you might have an idea of what a miracle that is. Tickets are awarded via a lottery; not only is The Quail likely the most exclusive event of Monterey Car Week, but it is also the most expensive, with ticket prices in excess of $1,200.
That might sound like a lot, but The Quail (taking place this year on Friday, August 14) is unlike any other U.S. collector car event. Over the years, I have been able to eat a gourmet lunch with Formula One great Michael Schumacher, take a test drive in a Bentley Continental GT with actor Malcolm McDowell, walk the show with racing greats Derek Bell and his son Justin, show both a car and a motorcycle on the field, and see some of the most amazing cars, both brand-new and classic, anywhere on the Monterey peninsula. A great many people I know have similar stories — The Quail is that just kind of event.
The Quail is one-half ultra-high-end car show and one-half classic car concours. This year, there will be over 10 new model debuts from brands that include Aston Martin, BMW/Alpina, RUF, Bugatti, Koenigsegg, Gunther Werks, Gordon Murray Automotive, and Porsche. Think of that part as an old-time car show, but leave out all but the most prestigious brands.
The other half of The Quail is a celebration of some of the finest classic sports and racing cars the world has ever seen. Special show classes this year will include the Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, the Ferrari F40, and The Bruce Meyer Collection. There are regular categories as well, including pre- and postwar racing cars, two postwar sports car classes, a supercar evolution class, an additional Ferrari class called The Great Ferraris, and a Custom Coachwork class.
The other bonus of The Quail is that, unlike other events, everything you eat and drink on-site is included in your ticket cost. The food is sourced from the best restaurants in the area and the wine comes from some of the finest vineyards in the California Wine Country.
Yes, The Quail is expensive, but the level of exclusivity, included food and drink, and ability to spend time with so many famous people in the racing and automotive realms (not to mention the Hollywood stars in attendance) make it unlike any other event in the U.S. Is it worth the cost of admission? Most attendees would say yes. To misquote the great Ferris Bueller, “If you have the means, I highly recommend attending.”
